Differences in physical fitness among young tennis players in between 1992 and 2008

The aim of this study was to find a trend of changes for selected anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of young male and female tennis players of three different age groups. Trends were observed in the periods between 1992, 2000 and 2008. In addition, a comparison of results of tennis players and school pupils was included. The sample of subjects were selections of young tennis players and of primary and secondary schools pupils (boys and girls) divided into three age groups (12- to 13-year-olds, 14- to 15-year-olds, and 16- to 17-year-olds). Fitness tests items (backwards obstacle course, forward bend on the bench, 20-second hand-tapping, 60-second sit-ups) and three anthropometric measurements (body height, body weight, BMI) were included in this study. The analysis of trends for different periods of measurement in male and female tennis players revealed an increase in some test items and a decrease in others. In the majority of observed fitness test items, young tennis players performed better than their school peers, indicating the positive effects of training and an appropriate selection process of tennis players. Male and female tennis players were taller than the school pupils, and body height values in both groups increased from 1992 to 2008. The body weight and BMI values for male and female tennis players, and male and female pupils in all three age groups have been constantly increasing.